Ms. Annette Hubbell will present her portrayal of Hattie the wife of a Union soldier in the Civil War. Ms. Hubbell has done extensive research into the role of women during the Civil War. Hattie’s story is one of devotion, heartbreak, and survival. The Julian Historical Society is pleased to be able to present this special program to the community.We asked Annette for some background: After a visit to Gettysburg some years ago, I was so moved by all that was around me—it seemed even the wind whispered of that fearful struggle—that I wrote a one-woman performance entitled Witness to Gettysburg, and have since performed it more than 160 times. My character, Miss Hattie Elizabeth Turner, is based on a real person, every other event and person in my story is real. Miss Hattie follows her husband to Gettysburg. On the second day of the battle, young Miss Hattie finds herself a widow. In spite of her grief, she cannot help but stay to help care for the 30,000 dead and wounded left at Gettysburg’s doorstep. What is a small town to do? What is she to do?Four months later, November 19, 1863, Miss Hattie watches in awe as Mr. Lincoln stands before a congregation of 10,000 and delivers those immortal words in unmatched eloquence. His words, which continue to inspire and uplift us, bring a deep sense of appreciation for the fight endured. In Lincoln’s God-fearing, humble manner he showed a remarkable strength of character and leadership that stayed the course and saw this country through a most difficult period.As a young man Lincoln once said: “I will study and get ready and someday my chance will come.” Indeed, it did, Mr. Lincoln. He was there when this country needed him. If a child were to pick just one person to emulate, Abraham Lincoln would surely provide that child with enough examples of integrity, responsibility, honesty, perseverance, faithfulness, and humor (Yes Lincoln loved to tell jokes) to last a life time.I have performed variations of the play for students. Many teachers use the outlines and vocabulary lists I provide to add insight and depth to the performance. I find that the students studying the Civil War quickly become part of the story —as if they were there. Enraptured by the story, the times, the strength and courage of people their own age, this live performance gives them a sense of passion and commitment that sparks their curiosity, helps them think about their own journey in life, and creates a sense of appreciation for the sacrifice others have made.
Witness to Gettysburg: special presentation in conjunction with the Julian Historical Society, Wednesday May 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall. A $5.00 donation per person will be asked for at the door. For more information about the Julian Historical Society, visit them here.
